Invaders in aquariums

One billion ornamental fish from more than 5,000 species are traded around the world every year. In Mexico, 60 per cent of native fish extinctions correlate with the presence of non-native species, so this study sought to identify high-risk ornamental fish to prevent future invasions.  Using GBIF-mediated occurrences along with other data researchers employed a risk analysis method called Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK) and calibrated it for use with analysed 368 species of freshwater aquarium fish. Their results identify the top 30 invasive species—classifying 17 of them as high-risk invaders—and highlight the importance of identifying high-risk species to inform policy makers, implement monitoring programs and educate traders and pet-shop owners.